When you hear the phrase, “the good life,” it brings a lot of things to mind.

When I hear it, I think of my mom.

My mom is 88, plays the accordion, does yoga and fitness, walks two high energy dogs, at once, writes poetry, is a member of her local “Pen Women” club, and is still a mom to me and my two sisters.

I think my mom has a “good life.” It’s not been without challenges, many brought on by me, fewer by my sisters, and some by my dad. But, all in all, my mom has enjoyed many years of life, and for the most part, it’s been good.

I’d like to share a quick video with you, and it’s a special one for me.

My mom, who plays the accordion, writes her own music, writes poetry and writes non fiction articles, has written her insightful impressions of my nephew’s recent US Marine Corps Base Camp Pendelton Graduation Ceremony, last May.

You’ll hear that story, read by my mom, playing her accordion in the background, having created from her memory the Marines’ Hymn. My mom had to do this because she was unable to find the “Marines’ Hymn,” as sheet music for the accordion. My mom has always loved music.